Padres news: Freddy Garcia eyes starting rotation spot

With a solid outing on Tuesday night, San Diego Padres pitcher Freddy Garcia is making the coaching staff think long and hard about who will earn the job as the fifth starter out of spring training.

Garcia pitched four strong innings and struck out six batters while showing excellent command of his pitches. The 36-year-old was a non-roster invitee to spring training after spending the last two seasons with the New York Yankees. He was granted free agency on October 29, 2012 and is trying to find new life in America’s Finest City while shoring up their pitching staff.

He started out the spring on a bad note, allowing 10 runs in 6 2/3 innings and posting an astronomical 13.50 ERA over that stretch. But he’s since turned things around and has given the front office and coaching staff reason to give him more opportunities to show some consistency. Manager Bud Black was pleased with his approach, citing varied arm speed as one of the main reasons Garcia was able to stay ahead of hitters and keep them guessing.

Without a doubt, this is a situation to keep monitoring throughout the spring.In addition to Garcia, Tim Stauffer, Anthony Bass and Tyson Ross are each in the mix to earn the No. 5 job.